I upgraded from the Benz Micro Glider 2 (the next step up from the ACE) to the Koetsu Black.
I felt it was a worth while upgrade myself, however, I will point out that there were trade offs.
First, the Koetsu takes at least twice as long to break in.
At about 100 hours, it is mostly broken in, but it actually continues to break in until about 200 hours.
Once it is fully broken in, it has about the same low frequency response as the Glider. The Glider has a bit more high frequency extension, but, to my taste, this was a negative, as I felt it was a bit too bright in my system. Not quite fatigueing, but just a bit too hot for my taste, if you know what I mean. (I find a system that is too bright to be annoying.) However, if your system sounds a little dark, the Benz might be better in your system.
The Koetsu Black was always a treat to listen though. The Koetsu mid-range magic was there. For some, they consider it to be too much lushness (Kind of like having too much of a tube sound bloom, if you know what I mean). I run an all solid state system, so for me, it was just right. I will point out that if you are a bass fanatic, the Koetsu line is probably not for you.
When it was time to upgrade, I upgraded to the Koetsu Rosewood Signature, which extended both the HF and LF range, as well as tightening up the imaging a little bit more. The bass is still a little loose, but a bit better than the black was.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!
PS Not to be self-serving, but at some point in the near future, I will be selling my Koetsu Black, (assuming my friend does not buy it), which has about 200 hours on it. If you are interested, let me know.
I felt it was a worth while upgrade myself, however, I will point out that there were trade offs.
First, the Koetsu takes at least twice as long to break in.
At about 100 hours, it is mostly broken in, but it actually continues to break in until about 200 hours.
Once it is fully broken in, it has about the same low frequency response as the Glider. The Glider has a bit more high frequency extension, but, to my taste, this was a negative, as I felt it was a bit too bright in my system. Not quite fatigueing, but just a bit too hot for my taste, if you know what I mean. (I find a system that is too bright to be annoying.) However, if your system sounds a little dark, the Benz might be better in your system.
The Koetsu Black was always a treat to listen though. The Koetsu mid-range magic was there. For some, they consider it to be too much lushness (Kind of like having too much of a tube sound bloom, if you know what I mean). I run an all solid state system, so for me, it was just right. I will point out that if you are a bass fanatic, the Koetsu line is probably not for you.
When it was time to upgrade, I upgraded to the Koetsu Rosewood Signature, which extended both the HF and LF range, as well as tightening up the imaging a little bit more. The bass is still a little loose, but a bit better than the black was.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!
PS Not to be self-serving, but at some point in the near future, I will be selling my Koetsu Black, (assuming my friend does not buy it), which has about 200 hours on it. If you are interested, let me know.